LOCAL TEACHER WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Central High School teacher Susan Hekmat is among 15 teachers in the nation selected to receive the Outstanding Speech-Drama-Debate Educator Award.

The award is the top honor presented by the National Federation Interscholastic Speech and Debate Association based in Indianapolis, Ind. Each state can nominate one educator in the area of speech, debate or drama who exemplifies the highest standards of ethical conduct. Nominees must be endorsed by the high school activities association in their state.

Hekmat, an English teacher at Central since 1986,, has coached speech and debate for 14 of her 22 years in teaching. She also has directed plays for three years.

She said her selection for the award was surprising because this is the first year in more than a decade that she hasn't coached.

"I was shocked and just delighted that the director in the state of Missouri saw me worthy enough to represent our state," she said.

Hekmat was more personal trainer than team coach during her first year at Central -- she had just one student competing. But after heavy recruiting in her English and speech classes, she developed well-rounded teams that regularly produced district and state finalists.

Within a few years, the school was invited to join the National Forensic League, an honor society of sorts for speech and debate clubs where students must earn points in competitions for membership.

"We're one of just a few schools in the area with that distinction," said Hekmat. "It's been a great honor and a lot of fun."

Hekmat has a bachelor's degree in speech and theater from Southwest Missouri State University and a master's degree in English, speech and theater education from Southeast Missouri State University.

She has served as a district president, tournament director, and member of the state speech advisory board. A member of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri since 1975, she has served as a member of the Board of Governors for nine years and one term as president.

She formerly taught in the Rockwood and Meadow Heights school districts..